Winter time can be a lot of fun. Who doesn’t love the skiing, snowball fights, snowboarding and other outdoor activities that come with the season? We all do. However, the freezing temperatures and dry air can leave your skin dehydrated, dull, and itchy. As if that’s not enough, excessive eating and drinking during the holiday season only worsens the situation. Getting your skin ready for the harsh conditions will go along way in ensuring that your skin stays fresh and hydrated throughout the season. Here are some killer tips to get you started.
1Exfoliate
Exfoliating your skin regularly, especially during fall months will help get your skin ready for the harsh winter months ahead. Dermatologists and beauty professionals recommend that you exfoliate every other day, if your skin can handle it. Besides removing dirt, dead skin cells and residues of cosmetics, exfoliation is a sure way to get a radiant, smooth and healthy skin.
If your skin is sensitive, choose only gentle face scrubs and reduce your exfoliation to once or twice per week, to avoid traumatizing your face. For a complete beautiful skin, don’t forget to exfoliate your whole body, including your heels. Consider going for regular pedicures to prevent dry, cracked heels.
2Moisturize
After eliminating dead skin cells through exfoliation, you need to protect your new, smoother skin by moisturizing it daily. However, you’ll realize that the moisturizer you usually use during spring and summer won’t provide enough moisture as the weather changes. To combat the dryness and protect your skin from chapping, you’ll need a formula that’s thicker and more hydrating.
Instead of moisturizers, use creams because they’re more moisturizing. Even though they feel heavier on the skin, they do a better job in protecting against humidity and temperature extremes. Also consider adding a humidifier to your living room and bedroom to help boost moisture. And don’t forget to always carry a hand cream and a lip balm in your bag, to help counter the season’s drying effects.
3Take Shorter Showers
A long, hot shower makes us feel good, especially during colder months. However, in the long run, the heat can dry the skin, leaving it susceptible to outdoor damage. So, opt for shorter, lukewarm showers during the winter. Pat-dry your skin afterwards, and follow up quickly with a moisturizing body cream from head to toe as soon as you get out. The cream helps to lock in moisture and keep your skin smooth and soft all day long. For better skin cleaning and coverage, consider using a hydrating shower gel instead of your normal soap.
4Drink More Water And Eat Healthier Meals
What you eat and drink directly affects how your skin looks. So, protect it before the winter sets in by drinking lots of water and eating healthy meals (lean meat, fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, nuts etc). Drinking plenty of water is extremely beneficial to your health and beauty. Not only does it help to remove toxins, but it also increases skin elasticity, and promotes its rejuvenation.
5Don’t Skip The Sunscreen
The sun is harmful to your skin throughout the year, and during the winter, the damaging effects are reinforced even more by the cold temperatures and wind. So, make sure you wear a sunscreen with SFP 30 or higher daily to protect your skin. Dermatologists recommend that you apply your sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outdoors.
Use these tips to prepare your skin to handle the tough winter weather
